Driver, passengers escape car that wrecked and burst into flames

ROME- A driver and three passengers managed to escape a wreck this week in Oneida County, where the car struck a tree and burst into flames, emergency responders say.

It happened shortly before 8:00 a.m. Tuesday on the Oswego Road, located in the outer district of Rome, NY.

According to investigation via the Sheriff’s Office, Gary Niles, 38, of Blossvale, NY was driving a 2008 Honda Pilot in a westerly direction.

Niles reportedly told police that a deer ran out in front of him. The cruise control was set, Niles stated, and when he hit the brakes and swerved, the car spun several times before hitting a tree off the roadway.

Furthermore, the vehicle burst into flames, but Niles and his three passengers, including Jennifer Ryan, 32, of Blossvale, NY and a pair of children, ages 2 and 5, all managed to escape.

A passerby did assist with a fire extinguisher, but could not tame the blaze until Rome Firefighters arrived.

To clarify, emergency responders noted that the roads were icy at the time of the accident.

All occupants were taken to Rome Memorial Hospital, with the exception of Ryan, as Ryan was transferred to SUNY Upstate with a possible back injury.

For Niles, he suffered cuts and complained of leg pain, police said.

The 2-year-old appears to have suffered a broken leg, while the 5-year-old suffered from what appears to be a compound leg fracture, police said.

As of press time, there have been no summonses issued and the investigation remains ongoing.

Members from the New York State Police and AmCare Ambulance assisted.

OCSO image.